The construction equipment industry is as large and varied as the projects it empowers. There are thousands of different types and subtypes of construction equipment, and it’s easy to choose the wrong size for the job.

How can you ensure you’re choosing the right type and size of equipment for each project that crosses your desk?

Know the Perils of Incorrectly Sized Equipment

Choosing something too large or too small can be downright dangerous. Upsizing your equipment might make you think you can get more done in a shorter amount of time, but it also puts you in a position where it becomes very easy to make a fast and potentially costly mistake.

For example, swing a large excavator too hard or fast in one direction, and you could end up inadvertently knocking down walls or causing other damage.

On the other side of the coin, having a piece of equipment too small to get the job done creates its own problems. You’ll end up taking a lot longer to complete your tasks while putting a lot of undue strain on the machinery. These too-small pieces of equipment will break down more often, leading to expensive repairs and even costlier delays.

Assess the Job

Start by assessing all the details of the job before you break ground or start assembling pieces. Ask yourself these questions:

• How large is the project?
• How much space do you have to work with?
• What sort of deadlines are you looking at?
• Will there be any need for indoor construction?
• Which tasks will require the use of heavy equipment?

This is by no means a comprehensive list of questions. The exact information you’ll want to collect during this exploration and definition phase depends on where you’re working, what equipment you already have available, and what you’re going to need to get the job done. Understanding the details of your project will help you better decide what kind of equipment you need and decide on the right size of tool for the job.

Understand Your Workspace

Most construction projects, especially those in urban spaces, are working in limited spaces. You aren’t going to be able to cram the biggest piece of equipment into these job sites, and even if you can get it to fit, you’re not going to have the space to use it to its fullest potential.

Take a closer look at the measurements of the site, the equipment, and the space the finished structure will take up when it’s done.

In cramped urban spaces, you’ll also have to figure out how much space you have to work with the surrounding area. The last thing you want to do is make a mistake and damage one of the neighboring buildings. You could end up at the wrong end of some serious litigation if that happens, especially if someone gets injured in the process.

Gathering a comprehensive understanding of your workspace can help you choose the right size of equipment and prevent larger problems from cropping up in the long run.

Consider Your Operators

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a piece of equipment is whether you have the team members required to operate it.

Forklifts, for example, have seven different classes and a variety of different lift codes — and operators need to be trained and certified on each one. The same rule applies to other types and sizes of equipment, as well. Someone who’s certified on a small excavator or crane may not have the skills necessary to use a larger one safely.

The operators you have available will always play a large role in determining what size of equipment you’re able to use. If you don’t have trained operators for the job, you have three options:

• Bringing in third-party operators.
• Training your existing team members.
• Opting for a different piece of equipment you already have operators for.

If you have the time, the middle option is the best. Offering ongoing education and certifications is also a great way to bring new employees into the construction industry and retain the team you already have.

Decide on Renting vs. Buying

When it comes to getting the right size of equipment for a particular job, you’ve got two options. You can purchase the equipment outright and own it as part of your fleet, or you can rent it.

Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages. Purchasing represents a significant initial investment, which is something that may be beyond the means of small companies. But even considering fuel and maintenance, buying a piece of equipment that you use daily can be more cost-effective in the long run.

Renting is a great option for situations where you need a specific piece of equipment to do a job but it’s something that you don’t plan to use on a regular basis. It can also help you meet your deadlines in a pinch if you’re still working toward being able to purchase your equipment.

The only time we wouldn’t recommend renting is if you’re trying to obtain a piece of equipment that you’re going to use every day or on every job going forward. In those cases, you’ll end up paying a lot more by renting than you would just buying the equipment outright.

Always Have the Right Tool for the Job

Whether you’re assembling a playground, building a house, or laying the foundations for the next record-breaking skyscraper, having the right tool for the job is essential. Experience and information are your two best tools for choosing the right size of equipment to get the job done without overworking a small machine or causing problems with a big one.

Consider all your options, including renting over buying, before you make your final decisions. Bringing equipment to and from a job site isn’t impossible, but choosing the wrong size of machinery at the beginning and having to swap it out for something that works better eats up valuable time and makes it harder to meet your productivity deadlines. However, if you simply take the time to gather the information you need beforehand, choosing the right-sized equipment will make your project simple and prepare you for success.

Author: Rose Morrison is a freelance writer in the construction industry and the managing editor of Renovated.